A trans pride flag flies during the International Women’s Day march in Karachi, Pakistan, on March 8, 2021 Photo: Shutterstock
After five years, the National Trans Visibility March returned to Washington, DC on Saturday, with hundreds of transgender people gathering and marching.
“We stand tall because that is power; the ability to influence the people who say they are not influential, the ability to breathe life into people whose lives have been destroyed by the people who should have been supporting and honoring them,” said Hope Giselle, president of the Visibility March.
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The march was attended by over 400 people, including Rev. Carmarion D. Anderson-Harvey, Jay Jones, Howard University’s first transgender student president, activist Ollie Henry, Iya Dammons, executive director of DC and MD Safe Haven, Lee Blinder, founder of Trans Mayland, Louis Shackelford of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network, and HRC President Kelley Robinson.
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“There is no equality when black trans women are killed in the streets. There is no equality when our trans and nonbinary children are attacked,” Robinson said.
“Folks, none of us are free until we are all free,” she continued. She received a Torch Award for “individuals whose work has impacted the lives of transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary (TGNCNB) communities across the country.”
The crowd chanted “Trans Power” and held signs reading “Trans Rights are Human Rights,” “Protect Our Trans Brothers and Sisters,” and “Trans Lives Matter” as they marched from HRC headquarters at 1 p.m., eventually walking down 17th Street, NW, then down P Street, NW toward Dupont Circle, before returning to HRC headquarters.
Jordan Alexander, who was chosen as king at the Black Trans Advocacy Coalition’s parade in May, said, “This march makes sure that people like us see people like us. Often times we don’t see positive images of ourselves. There’s a lot of talk about how we attack each other, and so this is just a great opportunity for us to come together as a family and show people that we can unite when the time comes.”
Participants also celebrated the event on social media.
“National Trans Visibility Day, DC. The march is intended to raise awareness of the importance of trans people in society and politics. ❤️”
“National Trans Visibility March in Washington DC. Great to see retired Lt. Col. Elijah Nichols again. Love you and your work.”
National Trans Visibility March in Washington DC. Great to see retired Lt. Col. Elijah Nichols again. Love you and your work. pic.twitter.com/gIWfqCitWT
“My first time in public as a trans woman, marching at Capital Pride with a party that unconditionally supports both my rights and the rights of the Palestinians. 🏳️⚧️🇵🇸”
My first time in public as a trans woman, marching at Capital Pride with a party that unconditionally supports both my rights and the rights of the Palestinians. 🏳️⚧️🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/KY3oDNwE4e
“I spent my afternoon marching through the streets of DC in support of the trans community during the National Trans Visibility March! Hey, hey, ho, ho! Transphobia must go!”
Spent my afternoon marching through the streets of DC in support of the trans community at the National Trans Visibility March! Hey, hey, ho, ho! Transphobia must go! pic.twitter.com/HZglf0LryW
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